NAZARETH, PA - C. F. Martin & Co., Inc. has announced that it is bringing six new ukulele models to NAMM for the first time this July. Originally introduced to international dealers at Musikmesse Frankfurt 2011 in April, the six ukes will be join three previously-unveiled models and a strong line-up of additional instruments at Summer NAMM.

"The music industry is seeing a major ukulele comeback, with our company alone seeing over 50 percent growth in uke sales since last year, and a big spike since debuting a half a dozen new models in Frankfurt," said company Chairman and CEO Chris Martin IV. "These, along with three existing instruments being showcased at Summer NAMM, will help us continue to meet the growing demand for these simple, exquisite instruments."

Summer NAMM attendees will also have the opportunity to discuss the ukulele comeback and more with the sixth generation Martin to lead this iconic family business at "Meet Chris Martin Day" - Saturday, July 23 - in Martin Guitar's booth #1200. (Watch a short video message from Chris about the ukulele comeback on Martin Guitar's official YouTube channel.)

U.S. dealers attending Summer NAMM will see for the first time in the U.S. these models, new for 2011:

The above ukes are all manufactured in Martin's Nazareth factory, equipped with Martin ukulele strings and feature a unique, pressed stamp at the back of the headstock.

Additionally, these three models are being brought to Summer NAMM, the latest venue for whetting dealersâ€™ appetite in the midst of this latest ukulele revival:

S1 Soprano Ukulele - originally unveiled at the 2011 Winter NAMM Show, this uke is crafted of solid genuine mahogany, joined with a dovetail mahogany neck. It features traditional cedar linings and inlaid rosette, rosewood bridge and fingerboard, and bone saddle and nut. It is laid out in soprano dimensions and comes with its own carrying bag.

3 Cherry Uke (Certified) - part of Martin's re-introduction of the Style 3 ukulele, the new #3 Cherry Ukulele is constructed with 100% sustainable woods that include cherry top, back, sides, neck and blocks; basswood linings and braces; a katalox fingerboard and bridge; and a maple bridge plate. Style 3 appointments include a pointed fingerboard inlaid with black/white marquetry and a pointed ivoroid tail inlay. It is equipped with Martin ukulele strings and manufactured in Martin's Nazareth factory.

0XK Ukulele - The first uke offered as part of Martin's popular X-Series, this instrument's Soprano-size body and one-piece top are fashioned from HPL (high pressure wood laminate) in a Koa-like finish. Features include Sitka spruce bracing, Mahogany end blocks, cedar ribbons, Morado fingerboard and bridge, bone nut and saddle, Grover tuning machines and a new dove tail joint similar to that used in traditional Martin uke construction. With its strong Stratabond neck and durable HPL body, the 0XK-Uke is perfect for moonlight serenading on the beach. It is equipped with Martin ukulele strings and manufactured in Martin's Novojoa, Mexico, factory.

About Martin Guitar
C.F Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 175 years. It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder. Founded in 1833 by Christian Frederick Martin, the privately held company has been continuously family owned and operated for six generations. Christian Frederick ("Chris") Martin IV took the helm of the company in 1986 and is its current chairman and CEO. Under his guidance, the company has introduced a number of new and innovative models that appeal to musicians, including the popular acoustic/electric Performing Artist Series, and several custom and signature Artist Editions.

Martin guitars are the instruments of choice for musicians around the world, from the icons of rock, country, folk and bluegrass to those just beginning their careers. They can be seen across all segments of pop culture, from television (Glee, Psych, Raising Hope and American Idol) to the movies; on Broadway and in books, online, and gracing the pages of popular magazines on newsstands everywhere (including in the hands of Jeff Daniels and Hugh Laurie on the covers of the last two issues of Guitar Aficionado). Connect with Martin on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, YouTube and at www.martinguitar.com.

Media Contacts:
Matt Biscuiti
The Lippin Group
212-986-7080
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